UGI Urges Safety First on National 8/11 Day with Call Before You Dig Reminder

UGI Utilities, Inc. is taking the opportunity of National 8/11 Day to remind homeowners and contractors of the critical importance of calling 811 before any digging project. This simple step, required by law, ensures that underground utility lines are marked, helping to avoid unintentional hits that could lead to costly damages, service interruptions, or even serious injuries and fatalities.

Whether the project is as minor as installing a mailbox or as significant as a large construction endeavor, the message is clear: call 811 at least three business days before digging. Homeowners undertaking their own projects are responsible for making the call, while contractors hired for the job must ensure the request is submitted. The service is free for homeowners, with contractors incurring a small annual fee.

Janet Toporcer, UGI Public Safety Administrator, underscores the necessity of this precautionary measure. "It doesn’t matter if it’s a small project like installing a mailbox, or a large one, make the call. It is the law," Toporcer states. The process not only safeguards individuals but also protects the community's infrastructure and ensures uninterrupted utility services.

In addition to underground utilities, UGI also highlights the dangers of above-ground facilities, particularly power lines, which pose lethal risks upon contact. Awareness and caution are paramount when working near these utilities.

For further details on safe digging practices and excavation safety, UGI directs the public to www.ugi.com/811 or call811.com. These resources offer valuable information, including how to schedule safety training for excavators, reinforcing UGI's commitment to community safety and education.

UGI Utilities, serving over 760,000 customers across Pennsylvania and Maryland, continues to advocate for safety measures that protect both individuals and the essential services that communities rely on daily. The call to action is simple but vital: before any digging, remember to call 811.